Welcome to a blog from a relaxed-homeschooling, working mom to three young men. This is an attempt to talk about issues that come in this thing we call day to day life.

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Homeschooling Transcripts

Ahh..the inevitable "but what about their transcripts" question has returned.

Every few years, one of the boys needs a transcript for some program, course, job or school.

We pull our previously homemade transcripts from our computer and update to the best of our ability.

I do not feel comfortable giving our children grades..so I don't. Only one university has ever complained..and they laughed and said, "Just make them up." So I did.

The boys and I discuss life goals as they become young teens..and then try to make sure they meet the requirements for various programs that they are interested in. This has served us well.

This morning Cody announced he wanted to attend a local c.c. this Fall and attend a specific BIG PUBLIC UNIVERSITY in the Fall of 2011..or at least try. I went to pull up transcript, only to discover, we did not have it! ACK.

Cody and I spent the a.m. recreating the past 4 years to the best of our ability.

As I was doing this, it reminded me how panicked I became (and still do occasionally) when I first needed to create a transcript for Brian. I wanted to be honest. I wanted him to get into a really cool and competitive summer engineering program. I didn't know what would be okay. I read books. I called friends. I looked at sample homeschooling transcripts from other families. I called more friends.

Finally? I picked up the phone and (gasp) asked the program what they needed! They were very helpful...and after that, each time became easier. I learned to call and ask.

Honesty is a big thing with me. The boys really do have a lot of control of their own learning..but if I put something on a transcript..than they better have done it..or promise(and follow up) to do it with me in the next x number of weeks..like crash course studying (one of the true beauties of learning at your own pace) This has served us well, so far.

So..I thought I would post what the boys transcripts look like so far. It is just a sample..for any of those out there going through the home-school, transcript panic.

Please note..due to layout of blogger I can't split this by Fall and Spring..so I am just putting the Fall. Please bring your imaginations along..(and no..I would NEVER ask an official administrator to use their imagination ..though I'm sure they do).and please know the other half of our page shows Spring..with same info or makes any changes that may have occurred.
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Cody xyz
Date of Birth: xyz
soc.sec. numberBates Family Home School

*Friday School is a homeschooling co-operative in San Antonio with over 200 families. The grades listed above are received from this co-operative. from a private tutor or from a correspondence course. Our family does not generally give grades to our children. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Nicole xyz at (xyz) 3xx-3xxx.
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Austen xyz
Date of Birth: xyz
soc.sec. numberBates Family Home School
High School Credits from Riverside Homeschool Initiative 2008/09:
Biology A
Ancient World Lit. A
Ancient World Hist. B

Grade 10 (to be determined)
more Alg./geometry, and is requesting art, culinary studies (more), fashion design and more IPC

*Riverside Homeschool Initiative is a Waldorf Inspired Democratic Homeschool Cooperative. The grades listed above are received from this co-operative. Our family does not generally give grades to our children. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Nicole xyz at (xyz ) 3xx-3xxx.
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There you have it..a very long post, involving two partial and incomplete transcripts What can I say?

About Me

After over a decade as a homeschooling mom, I have entered a second season in my life. At this time I am spending a season in study of scripture and law. Fumbling my way through faith and as a part-time student in an online law school.. Yes...these things exist! Hoping to share my journey here for anyone needing encouragement in their own journeys. Wherever those journeys are leading.